Chapter 84

"What?!" The entire film crew erupted in chaos. The Orange Media reporter's eyes nearly popped out of her head.

Isabella Winslow forced a pained smile. "It's my fault... I told him Evelyn was coming to cover the shoot. He was furious and said he'd teach her a lesson..."

"Last time, Alexander demanded an apology from her. Not only did she refuse, but she insulted him too... You know how terrible his temper is."

Terrible? More like the devil incarnate!

"So Lord Alex came to settle scores with Evelyn, but took it out on us when she wasn't here?" The producer found the logic absurd.

What had they done to deserve this?

"Miss Winslow, you need to explain this to Lord Alex! Your team was the one who drove them away! This has nothing to do with us!"

Isabella looked troubled. "You've seen Alexander's temper... Even Eleanor couldn't calm him down..."

She turned to the Orange Media reporter. "Why don't you leave for now? Let's call Horizon's team back to handle this."

"Yes!" The group brightened.

"Let them take the hit!"

"Better them than us!"

"Hurry and call! They can't have gone far..."

The Horizon trio sat in a noodle shop near the studio.

"Evelyn, when are we heading back?" Charlie flipped through his phone.

"No rush." Evelyn Sinclair picked at her noodles leisurely. "Let's wait a bit longer."

"Wait for what?" Both colleagues asked in unison.

"Wait for Isabella to beg me." Her tone was as casual as discussing the weather.

Charlie and Iris exchanged glances.

"Do you have dirt on her?"

"Why before the opening ceremony?"

Evelyn smirked. "The thrill is in the timing. Imagine her kneeling to beg us back right before the auspicious moment..."

Her phone rang before she finished.

"Evelyn! We were wrong earlier! Please come back now!"

Evelyn paused.

That was faster than expected.

Two hours still remained before the ceremony.

She stirred her noodles calmly. "Sorry, we're already on our way to the airport."

The producer's voice trembled. "Name your terms! Just come back now!"

Evelyn narrowed her eyes.

The crew must be in serious trouble.

"Let Isabella beg me in person."

"Dream on!" Isabella's shrill voice came through the phone.

Evelyn hung up.

The phone rang persistently.

"My noodles are getting soggy," she complained. "Thirty bucks a bowl..."

Charlie and Iris stared.

This woman had nerves of steel.

On the fourth call, Evelyn finally answered.

"What do you want?!" Isabella hissed through gritted teeth.

"With that attitude..." Evelyn pretended to hang up again.

"I'm begging you!" Isabella's voice shook. "Where are you?"

"Noodle shop, five hundred meters from the set." Evelyn was brisk. "You have five minutes. Bring pen and paper."

Five minutes later, two crew members came panting.

"Miss Winslow can't—"

Evelyn stood to leave.

The staff lunged to block her car.

Isabella had no choice but to appear.

"State your terms." Her face was ashen.

"First, Orange Media leaves." Evelyn's commanding presence stunned her colleagues.

"Second, Horizon gets exclusive promotional rights for The First Lady Judge. No refund on the penalty fee."

Gasps filled the air.

Isabella clenched her jaw. "Fine!"

"One more thing." Evelyn smiled. "Remember what I said? Kneel properly..."

Isabella went pale.

"Just kidding." Evelyn's tone shifted. "A simple apology will do."

"Sorry!" Isabella forced the word out.

"Sorry for what?" Evelyn prompted.

Isabella balled her fists. "For bringing my team to replace you."

Evelyn shook her head. "Wrong answer."

Isabella's pupils contracted.

"Need a hint?" Evelyn's gaze turned icy. "Wings. Needles..."

Isabella's face drained of color.

"Evelyn... It really wasn't me..." She suddenly burst into tears. "You can't force a confession..."

Evelyn studied her for a long moment before laughing lightly. "Then kneel."

The crowd erupted.

As Evelyn turned to leave, Isabella dropped to her knees. "I'm kneeling! Happy now?!"

Evelyn yanked her up. "Just testing you. Bring the contract."

Everyone stared.

What kind of grudge was this?

After signing, Evelyn gave Isabella a meaningful look.

Anyone who could humiliate themselves like this... was dangerous.

Back on set, Charlie and Iris gazed at her with admiration.

But the moment they entered the lounge, Evelyn wanted to flee.

The man radiating fury from the couch was none other than Alexander Kingsley.